Clip for securing plasterboard to columns

ABSTRACT

A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column member comprising a spring member, adapted to clip on to a flange of a structural member, and a box-like member connected to the spring member for receiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto. The box-like member includes a top wall and a bottom wall with two sidewalls disposed therebetween connecting the top wall to the bottom wall to define a cross-section having either a rectangular or square configuration. At least one opening is provided in each of the sidewalls, the openings being in alignment with each other to receive the spring member therethrough. The spring member includes a body portion having a tang on one end thereof and a curved portion on the other end thereof. The body portion is disposed within the box-like member with the ends extending through the openings so that the tang abuts against an outer surface of one sidewall member to maintain the spring member in position relative to the box-like member above the top wall to receive and hold the flange of the structural member between the curved portion and the outer surface of the top wall. Additional spring members and additional openings may be provided in the box-like member as required as the length of the box-like member is increased. Preferably, a section of the curved portion is serrated or knurled to prevent the spring member from slipping relative to the flange of the structural member. Additionally, the rear portion of the spring member is flush with the respective sidewall of the box-like member.

United States Patent [1 Uydess CLIP FOR SECURING PLASTERBOARD TO COLUMNS[75] Inventor: Samuel B. Uydess, Mamaroneck,

[73] Assignee: Construction Systems, Inc., Hillside,

[22] Filed: July 8, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 486,530

[52] US. Cl. 52/713; 52/760; 52/364 [5]] Int. Cl. E04c 3/30 [58] Fieldof Search 52/760, 345, 346, 347,

Primary E.\'uminerAndrew V. Kundrat Attorney, Agent. or FirmFriedman &Goodman, Esqs.

[57] ABSTRACT A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural columnAug. 5, 1975 member comprising a spring member, adapted to clip on to aflange of a structural member, and a box-like member connected to thespring member for receiving fasteners which secure the plasterboardthereto. The box-like member includes a top wall and a bottom wall withtwo sidewalls disposed therebetween connecting the top wall to thebottom wall to define a cross-section having either a rectangular orsquare configuration. At least one opening is provided in each of thesidewalls, the openings being in alignment with each other to receivethe spring member therethrough. The spring member includes a bodyportion having a tang on one end thereof and a curved portion on theother end thereof. The body portion is disposed within the box-likemember with the ends extending through the openings so that the tangabuts against an outer surface of one sidewall member to maintain thespring member in position relative to the box-like member above the topwall to receive and hold the flange of the structural member between thecurved portion and the outer surface of the top wall. Additional springmembers and additional openings may be provided in the box-like memberas required as the length of the boxlike member is increased.Preferably, a section of the curved portion is serrated or knurled toprevent the spring member from slipping relative to the flange of thestructural member. Additionally, the rear portion of the spring memberis flush with the respective sidewall of the box-like member.

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures CLIP FOR SECURING PLASTERLCARQ TU COLUMNSBACKGROUND OF THE INVEN'l H N The present invention relates to a clip.and more particularly to a clip for securing plasterboard to s. ructuralcolumns.

Unprotected main supporting columns and girder: in the constructionindustry are known to warp. buckle, and collapse when heated to hightemperatures. Accordingly, these columns and girders must be providedwith auxiliary protection against such high temperatures, wherein manyjurisdictions require fireproofing of these columns and girders.

One common method of fireproofing these columns was to manually plasteror enclose the columns with masonry, which required many man hours and alarge expense. A recent method, permitted in many jurisdictions, is tosubstitute plasterboard for the manually plastered arrangement. Thoughthe plasterboard can be handled easily, it is not easy to secure theplasterboard to the columns, girders and the like. A further method isto spray the columns with an asbestos-fiber compound. However, thisasbestos-fiber compound affords less fire protection than theplasterboard, and endangers the health of the construction workers whoare exposed to inhalation of the asbestos.

In order to more easily secure the plasterboard to the columns, a clipwas invented by Alvin S. Parker, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No.3,748,815, granted on July 31, 1973. This clip comprises a box sectionhaving a spring flap formed integrally therewith. The spring flap slipson a flange of the column and the box section provides attachingsurfaces for sheet metal screws. When several clips are used, the columnmay be encapsulated and therefore fireproofed by the plasterboard.

However, because this patented clip is integrally made, it involvesadditional steps and material in the manufacture thereof which increasesits cost. Additionally, this patented clip is not flexible in the usethereof, being designed for only one particular size column.Accordingly, these clips must be stored according to size for eachparticular column, requiring each construction site to have largequantities of different sizes on hand. Furthermore, if the spring flapis damaged or broken, the entire clip must be discarded, wherein none ofthe elements can be salvaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a clip for securingplasterboard to a structural column member, the clip comprisingresilient means adapted to clip on to a flange of the structural member,box-like means connected to the resilient means for receiving fastenerswhich secure the plasterboard thereto, the box-like means including topwall, bottom wall and two sidewalls connected in sequence to define abox-like member, the sidewalls being provided with at least one openingeach in alignment with each other to allow communication from an outersurface of the first sidewall through the box-like member to an outersurface of the second sidewall, the resilient means including a springmember provided with a body portion, the body portion including a tangextending outwardly in one direction from one end of the body portionand a curved portion extending outwardly in another direction from anopposite end of the body portion, the body portion being disposed withinthe box-like member with the one end extending through the opening inthe first sidewall and with the other end extending through the openingin the second sidewall, the tang abutting against the outer surface ofthe first sidewall to maintain the spring member in position relative tothe box-like member with the curved portion being disposed outside thebox-like member in a position spaced from an outer surface of the topsidewall, whereby the flange of the structural member is clipped betweenthe curved portion and the outer surface of the top sidewall. Additionalspring members and additional openings may be provided in the boxlikemember as required as the length of the box-like member is increased.Preferably, a section of the curved portion is serrated or knurled toprevent the spring member from slipping relative to the flange of thestructural member. Additionally, the rear portion of the spring memberis flush with the second sidewall of the box-like member.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a clipdevice which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of this invention is to provide at least a two piece clipdevice comprising at least one spring member connected to a box-likemember for securing plasterboard to a structural column member.

A further object of this invention is to provide a clip devicecomprising a spring member and box-like member as mentioned above,whereby additional spring members may be added as the length of thebox-like member is increased.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a clipdevice that is easily mounted on a column member and to whichplasterboards can be easily secured.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a clip devicethat is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, one which has few partsand cannot be easily broken.

An added object of this invention is to provide a clip device upon whicha plasterboard can be mounted in a flush arrangement.

And yet another added object of this invention is to provide a clipdevice having a spring member with serrated or knurled portions toprevent the clip device from slipping relative to the flange of thestructural member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With the above and additional objectsand advantages in view, as will hereinafter appear, this inventioncomprises the devices, combinations and arrangements of partshereinafter described by way of example and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings of preferred embodiments in which:

FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of a plasterboard tocolumn clip pursuant to the present invention, showing the clip prior toassembly thereof;

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the clip of this invention,showing the clip during assembly thereof;

FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of the clip of this invention,showing the clip in its assembled condition;

FIG. 4 represents a front elevational view of the clip shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 represents a sectional view, taken on the line S5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 represents a perspective view of a modified plasterboard tocolumn clip pursuant to the present invention, showing the modified clipin an assembled condition;

FIG. 7 represents a front elevational view of the modified clip, showingthe modified clip during the assembly thereof;

FIG. 8 represents a front elevational view of the modified clip shown inFIG. 6, with a section broken away to reveal the rear wall thereof; and

FIG. 9 represents a cross sectional view showing the clip of the presentinvention in position on an I-beam column with plasterboard securedthereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, FIG.I illustrates a clip I of the present invention, comprising a box-likemember I2 and a spring member 14. The box-like member 12 is adapted toreceive and hold the spring member 14 in an operative position, as willbe set forth hereinafter below in more detail.

The box-like member 12 includes a top wall 16 and a bottom wall 18substantially parallel to the top wall I6. Substantially parallelspaced-apart sidewalls 20 and 22 are perpendicular to the top and bottomwalls 16, 18 respectfully, and are disposed therebetween to connect theedges of the top wall 16 to the edges of the bottom wall 18 to define anopen-end hollow box. Preferably, the top and bottom walls 16, 18 arewider than the sidewalls 20, 22 to define a rectangle in cross-section,as shown in FIG. 5, or as shown in an end view thereof as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3. However, the wall members may be of the same width todefine a square in cross-section or in end view. or these widths may bevaried as desired for any particular suitable arrangement thereof.Additionally, the wall members 16, 18, 20 and 22 may be formed in anydesired suitable length, defined by the longitudinal distance betweenthe opposite open ends.

The box-like member 12 is provided with centrally located, spaced-apartopenings or cut-outs 24 and 26 to receive the spring member 14. Thecut-out 24 is centrally located in an upper portion of the sidewall 20and extends into the top wall 16. The cut-out 26, which is symmetricalto the cut-out 24, is centrally located in an upper portion of thesidewall 22, and also extends into the top wall 16. Preferably, thecutout portion 28 of the cut-out 24 and the cut-out portion 30 of thecut-out 26, as best shown in FIG. 5, remain attached to the top wall 16,both being bent back against the inner surface of the top wall 16 forreasons to be set forth hereinafter below.

The spring member I4 is preferably round in crosssection, however anysuitable cross-section may be employed. The spring member 14 includes asubstantially straight body portion 32, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5,which is approximately equal in length to the transverse width of thetop and bottom walls l6, 18. A tang or leg-like portion 34 extendssubstantially perpendicularly out from the straight body portion 32. Thelength of the tang 34 is slightly less than the longitudinal length ofthe cut-outs 24, 26 to permit insertion through these openings, but islonger than the transverse width of either cut-out 24, 26.

At the opposite end of the straight body portion 32, another straightportion 36 extends substantially perpendicularly outward therefrom.Portion 36 is substantially parallel to the tang 34, lying in the sameplain thereof to be in alignment therewith, extending in an oppositedirection from the body portion 32 then the direction of the tang 34. Acurved portion 38 extends outwardly from the portion 36 in a directionaway from the body portion 32, and then curves back toward the bodyportion 32 in a direction towards the tang 34, the end of portion 38being spaced from the body portion 32. A curved end portion 40 extendsoutwardly from the end of portion 38, in a direction towards the tang 34but away from the body portion 32 to define a reverse loop with respectto the loop formed by the curved portion 38. Adjacent inner orunderneath sections of portions 38 and 40, which face towards thestraight body portion 32, are serrated or knurled in a conventionalmanner for reasons to be set forth herein after below in more detail.

To assemble the clip 10, the tang 34 of the spring member 14 is insertedthrough one of the openings 24, 26 with the opening 26 being shown inthe drawings by way of example. The tang 34 is then directed or pushedthrough the inside of the box-like member 12 until it exists through theother opening 24. Depending upon the length of the portion 36, thecurved portion 40 of the spring member 14 may not be able to clear theedge of the box-like member I2.

Accordingly, this above problem is overcome by placing the spring member14 on its side at a slight angle to the top wall 16, with the curvedportion 40 close to or touching the upper outer surface of the top wall16, as shown in FIG. 2. The cut-outs 24, 26 are made with sufficientclearance with respect to the tang 34 to permit this maneuver. Once thetang 34 has cleared the opening 24 and has past the outer surface ofsidewall 20, the spring member 14 is rotated upwardly so that the tang34 and portion 36 are substantially perpendicular to the top wall 16, asbest shown in FiGS. 3, 4 and 5.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the tang 34 abuts against the outside surfaceof sidewall 20 and the straight portion 36 abuts against the cut-outedge of the top wall 16 to hold the spring member in this upright,perpendicular position. Additionally, the bent-back, cut-out portions 28and 30 function to fill part of the space between the inner surface ofthe top wall 16 and the straight body portion 32 so as to better supportthe spring member 14 in the upright position. It is further noted, thatthe cut-outs in the top wall 16 permit the portion 36 to be positionedinwardly of the edge so that the back surface of the portion 36 is flushand in alignment with the outside surface of the sidewall 22.Preferably, the cut-out in the top wall 16 is approximately equal to thethickness of the portion 36 of the spring member 14 to facilitate theabove-mentioned flush arrangement. It is also noted that the serrations42 face the top wall 16 and are centrally located with respect thereto.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modified embodiment of the present invention,showing a clip 50. The clip 50 includes a pair of spring members 14, anda modified box-like member 52. The box-like member 52 is similar to thebox-like member 12, however the box-like member 50 is provided with twopairs of openings 64, 66 to receive two spring members 14, set forthhereinafter below in more detail.

The box-like member 52 includes a top wall 56, a bottom wall 58, andsidewalls and 62 to define an open end hollow box, as described above.Preferably, the box 52 is provided with a rectangular cross-section, butmay be square in cross-section or varied as desired in any particularsuitable arrangement thereof.

The box-like member 52 is provided with the spacedapart openings orcut-outs 64, 66 located adjacent or near to the open ends thereof. Hereagain, as with the above-mentioned openings 24 and 26, the cut-outs 64are provided in an upper portion of the sidewall 60 and extend into thetop wall 56. The cut-outs 66, which are symmetrical to the cut-outs 64,respectively, are provided in an upper portion of the sidewall 62 andalso exi'end into the top wall 56. Preferably, the cut-out portions 68of the cut-outs 64 and the cut-out portions 70 of the cut-outs 66, asbest shown in FIG. 9, remain attached to the top wall 56, being bentback against the inn er surface of the top wall 56 for the same reasonsset forth above with respect to the spring member 14.

Another difference in the box-like member 52 is the constructionthereof. Where box-like member 12 was formed from a one-piece hollowtubular member, boxlike member 52 is formed from sheet metal being bentinto the box-like shape. However, it is understood that box-like member12 may also be formed from sheet metal where it is just as likely toform box-like member 52 from tubular material or any other suitablematerial. The sheet metal material is cut and bent so that the sidewall60 is formed from two end pieces 72 and 74 which are overlapped at 76.The overlap 76 may be secured together in any conventional manner, suchas soldering, welding or the like.

To assemble the clip 50, the tang 34 of each spring member 14 isinserted through one of the openings 64, 66 similar to the method setforth above, with the opening 66 being shown in the drawings by way ofexample. The tangs 34 are then directed or pushed through the inside ofthe box-like member 52 until they exit through the other openings 64.However, due to the fact that the openings 64, 66 are near the open endsof the box-like member 52, there is no problem of clearance with respectto the curved portion 40 as mentioned above.

As clearly shown in FIG. 7, the spring members 14 are disposed in ahorizontal position when being inserted through the box like member 52,and then after insertion therethrough, are rotated upwardly to theperpendicular position shown in FIG. 8. The spring members 14 aremaintained in this perpendicular, upright position by the abutment ofthe tangs 34 against the sidewall 60 and the straight portion 36 againstthe cut-out edge of the top wall 56, in addition to the support providedby the bent-back, cut-out portions 68 and 70, in a manner as discussedabove.

It is noted, that the clip 50 is preferably used when it is necessary toprovide a box-like member of increased longitudinal length. For box-likemembers having a desired short length, it would be sufficient to use thesingle spring member 14 employed in the clip 10.

The clips and 50 are used in the following manner, wherein clip 50 isused by way of example, as shown in FIG. 9. At selected locationslongitudinally along a structural column 80, there are placed fourretaining clips 50, one clip on each flange edge 82 as shown in FIG. 9.The box members 52 are disposed on the outside of the column 80. Theclips 50 are self aligned in that they are automatically positioned inproper orientation providing only that the box member 52 is on theoutside of each flange 82 and not on the inside.

The flange 82 is thicker than the spacing between the curved portion 40of the spring member 14 and the top wall 56 to tension the spring member14 against the flange 82. It is further noted, that the serrations 42 ofthe spring clip 14 are engaged against the flange edge 82 so that theclip 50 is securely held in position due to the resilient pressure ofthe spring member 14 and the slip-prevention provided by the serrations42.

A pre-cut plasterboard section 84 is disposed across adjacent retainingclips 50 with sheet metal screws 86 or other such securing devices beingdriven through the plasterboard 84 into the box member 52. The side ofthe column against which plasterboard 84 has been placed thus isimmediately covered. Three other plasterboard sections 84 are thenapplied, one to each of the remaining faces of the column 80 and sheetmetal screws 86 or the like are again used for joining the plasterboards84 to the clips 50. When all four faces of the column 80 are covered,the column 80 is in effect encapsulated and is thus fireproof.

As clearly shown in FIG. 9, it would be best to have the tang 34 abutagainst the two sectioned sidewall 60 so that the screws 86 engage theone-piece sidewall 62. It is further noted, that both the sidewall 62and the portion 36 of the spring member 14 are flush against theplasterboard 84.

In addition to the resiliency of the tensioned spring member 14 holdingthe box-like member 50 or 10 in place, aided by the serrated portion 42to prevent slipping relative to the flange 82, the box-like members 10and 50 are locked in position by the plasterboards 84 and screws 86 sothat there is no danger that the clips 10 and 50 will loosen.Accordingly, this arrangement is permanent wherein the clips 10 and 50are hidden from view.

It is further noted, that the arrangement shown in FIG. 9 provides anair space between the flanges 82 of the column 80 and the plasterboards84 positioned therearound. This air space is desired for its extrainsulating value to provide the desired fireproofing thereof.

Preferably, the clips 10 and 50 are fabricated from a relatively heavygauge tubing or sheet metal or similar material, which is galvanized orotherwise protected against oxidation. The spring member 14 may beformed from any material having the desired resiliency therein, such assteel, extruded aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material.

Numerous alterations of the structures herein disclosed will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understoodthat the present disclosure relates to preferred embodiments of theinvention which is for purposes of illustration only and not to beconstrued as limitations of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column member, saidclip comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a flange of thestructural member, box-like means connected to said resilient means forreceiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto, said box-likemeans including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected insequence to define a box-like member, said second and fourth sidewallsbeing provided with at least one opening each, said openings being inalignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surfaceof said secnd sidewall through said box-like member to an outer surfaceof said fourth sidewall, said resilient means including a spring memberprovided with a body portion, said body portion including a tangextending outwardly in one direction from one end of said body portionand also including a curved portion extending outwardly in anotherdirection from an opposite end of said body portion, said body portionbeing disposed within said box-like member with said one end extendingthrough said opening in said second sidewall and with said other endextending through said opening in said fourth side wall, said tangabutting against said outer surface of said second sidewall to maintainsaid spring member in position relative to said box-like member withsaid curved portion being disposed outside said box-like member in aposition spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, wherebythe flange of the structural member is clipped between said curvedportion and said outer surface of said first sidewall.

2. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said openings are centrally insaid second and fourth sidewalls, each opening being disposed adjacentto said first sidewall.

3. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said second and fourth sidewallsare each provided with two of said openings, each of said two openingsbeing spaced apart and disposed adjacent to opposing open edges of saidbox-like member respectively, and one spring member being provided foreach cooperating pair of said openmgs.

4. A clip according to claim 1 wherein said curved portion of saidspring member includes a serrated section facing said outer surface ofsaid first sidewall to prevent relative slipping between said clip andthe flange.

5. A clip according to claim l, wherein said opening in said fourthsidewall extends into said first sidewall to receive said curved portionof said spring member so that an outer surface of said curved portion isflush with said outer surface of said fourth sidewall.

6. A clip according to claim I, wherein said openings are cut-outs withrespective cut-out portions remaining attached to said first sidewall,said cut-out portions being bent back against an inner surface of saidfirst sidewall to reduce a portion of space between said body portion ofsaid spring member and said inner surface of said first sidewall forsupporting said spring member in said position relative to said box-likemember.

7. A clip according to claim I, wherein said box-like member isfabricated from sheet metal with a longitudinal overlap being providedin said second sidewall against which said tang abuts.

8. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said curved portion of saidspring member includes a straight section extending substantiallyperpendicularly outwardly from said body portion in alignment with andsubstantially parallel to said tang but extending in an oppositedirection from said body portion than said tang, a first curved sectionextending outwardly from said straight section in a direction away fromsaid body portion and curving back toward said body in a directiontowards said tang, said first curved section being spaced from said bodyportion, and a second curved end section extending outwardly from saidfirst curved section in a direction towards said tang but away from saidbody por tion to define a reverse loop with respect to said first curvedsection.

9. A clip device comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to afirst structural member, box-like means connected to said resilientmeans for receiving fasteners which secure a second structural memberthereto, said box-like means including first, second, third and fourthsidewalls connected in sequence to define a box like member, said secondand fourth sidewalls being provided with at least one opening each, saidopenings being in alignment with each other to allow communication froman outer surface of said second sidewall through said box-like member toan outer surface of said fourth sidewall, said resilient means includinga spring member provided with a body portion, said body portionincluding a tang extending outwardly in one direction from one end ofsaid body portion and also including a clip portion extending outwardlyin another direction from an opposite end of said body portion, saidbody portion being disposed within said box-like member with said oneend extending through said opening in said second sidewall and with saidother end extending through said opening in said fourth sidewall, saidtang abutting against said outer surface of said sec ond sidewall tomaintain said spring member in position relative to said box-like memberwith said clip portion being disposed outside said box-like member in aposition spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, wherebythe first structural member is clipped between said clip portion andsaid outer surface of said first side wall.

1. A clip for securing plasterboard to a structural column member, saidclip comprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a flange of thestructural member, box-like means connected to said resilient means forreceiving fasteners which secure the plasterboard thereto, said box-likemeans including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected insequence to define a box-like member, said second and fourth sidewallsbeing provided with at least one opening each, said openings being inalignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surfaceof said second sidewall through said box-like member to an outer surfaceof said fourth sidewall, said resilient means including a spring memberprovided with a body portion, said body portion including a tangextending outwardly in one direction from one end of said body portionand also including a curved portion extending outwardly in anotherdirection from an opposite end of said body portion, said body portionbeing disposed within said box-like member with said one end extendingthrough said opening in said second sidewall and with said other endextending through said opening in said fourth sidewall, said tangabutting against said outer surface of said second sidewall to maintainsaid spring member in position relative to said box-like member withsaid curved portion being disposed outside said box-like member in aposition spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, wherebythe flange of the structural member is clipped between said curvedportion and said outer surface of said first sidewall.
 2. A clipaccording to claim 1, wherein said openings are centrally in said secondand fourth sidewalls, each opening being disposed adjacent to said firstsidewall.
 3. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said second and fourthsidewalls are each provided with two of said openings, each of said twoopenings being spaced apart and disposed adjacent to opposing open edgesof said box-like member respectively, and one spring member beingprovided for each cooperating pair of said openings.
 4. A clip accordingto claim 1 wherein said curved portion of said spring member includes aserrated section facing said outer surface of said first sidewall toprevent relative slipping between said clip and the flange.
 5. A clipaccording to claim 1, wherein said opening in said Fourth sidewallextends into said first sidewall to receive said curved portion of saidspring member so that an outer surface of said curved portion is flushwith said outer surface of said fourth sidewall.
 6. A clip according toclaim 1, wherein said openings are cut-outs with respective cut-outportions remaining attached to said first sidewall, said cut-outportions being bent back against an inner surface of said first sidewallto reduce a portion of space between said body portion of said springmember and said inner surface of said first sidewall for supporting saidspring member in said position relative to said box-like member.
 7. Aclip according to claim 1, wherein said box-like member is fabricatedfrom sheet metal with a longitudinal overlap being provided in saidsecond sidewall against which said tang abuts.
 8. A clip according toclaim 1, wherein said curved portion of said spring member includes astraight section extending substantially perpendicularly outwardly fromsaid body portion in alignment with and substantially parallel to saidtang but extending in an opposite direction from said body portion thansaid tang, a first curved section extending outwardly from said straightsection in a direction away from said body portion and curving backtoward said body in a direction towards said tang, said first curvedsection being spaced from said body portion, and a second curved endsection extending outwardly from said first curved section in adirection towards said tang but away from said body portion to define areverse loop with respect to said first curved section.
 9. A clip devicecomprising resilient means adapted to clip on to a first structuralmember, box-like means connected to said resilient means for receivingfasteners which secure a second structural member thereto, said box-likemeans including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected insequence to define a box-like member, said second and fourth sidewallsbeing provided with at least one opening each, said openings being inalignment with each other to allow communication from an outer surfaceof said second sidewall through said box-like member to an outer surfaceof said fourth sidewall, said resilient means including a spring memberprovided with a body portion, said body portion including a tangextending outwardly in one direction from one end of said body portionand also including a clip portion extending outwardly in anotherdirection from an opposite end of said body portion, said body portionbeing disposed within said box-like member with said one end extendingthrough said opening in said second sidewall and with said other endextending through said opening in said fourth sidewall, said tangabutting against said outer surface of said second sidewall to maintainsaid spring member in position relative to said box-like member withsaid clip portion being disposed outside said box-like member in aposition spaced from an outer surface of said first sidewall, wherebythe first structural member is clipped between said clip portion andsaid outer surface of said first sidewall.